Evidence of Eretmapodites subsimplicipes and Aedes albopictus as competent vectors for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Mayotte

Abstract

Rift Valley fever (RVF) recently re-emerged in Mayotte. We described, for the first time, that the mosquito species Eretmapodites subsimplicipes, a highly abundant species in Mayotte, is a competent vector for the transmission of RVF virus using three distinct populations native to Mayotte. We also showed that Aedes albopictus specimens are able to transmit RVF virus (RVFV) as previously observed in mosquito populations of other countries emphasizing the need of the increase vigilance for this highly invasive species of global distribution. Altogether, these results underline the epidemiological importance of both species for RVFV transmission in Mayotte and contribute to better understand the RVF epidemiological cycle and help to implement efficient prevention measures.

Keywords: Aedes albopictus; Eretmapodites subsimplicipes; Mayotte; Rift Valley fever virus; Risk of transmission; Vector competence.